Kelsey Gerckens and the Amazing Race

Posted by Sandy Warren on Apr 18, 2017

Kelsey Gerckens Offers Fascinating Insights

Into the Amazing Race and Broadcast Journalism

"It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience." That's how Kelsey Gerckens, our guest speaker on Monday, April 17, described her participation (and victory) in TV's "The Amazing Race" last summer. Kelsey and her then-boyfriend, now-fiance, Joey Buttita, visited 10 countries on 5 continents in 21 days, doing everything from hang-gliding over Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to washing laundry in a river in India to working with gauchos in Argentina. When it was all said and done, they beat out 10 other couples, winning the one million dollar prize. (Kelsey was quick to point out that Uncle Sam and the State of California took about half.)

In addition to their personal relationship, Kelsey and Joey are professional colleagues, working at KEYT television in Santa Barbara. Joey anchors the morning news while Kelsey works as the Ventura County Bureau Chief, reporting local news on camera from her hometown of Ventura. Kelsey explained that news crews across the country are becoming leaner these days. Instead of a reporter, cameraman, and sound technician, the field reporter is often expected (as is Kelsey) to do it all on her own.

"I shoot all my own video, make sure the sound levels are correct, then edit everything for the story on a smartphone in my car," she explained. "Not very glamorous, but I love it." When she's not in the field chasing down stories, she's frequently working in the studio, writing copy, anchoring broadcasts, or reporting the weather.

Among Kelsey's favorite assignments was flying with the Blue Angels, another experience very few people get to have. "I love working with people," said Kelsey. With her bright smile, confident demeanor, and sparkling personality, it's a safe bet that people feel the same about working with her. Thanks, Kelsey, for a fascinating glimpse into what has already been a very exciting life!